What is PERKESO?
The three names that appear in its own institutional documentation are: Pertubuhan Keselamatan Sosial, in Malay; Social Security Organisation, in English; and the acronym PERKESO, formed from the Malay name. In some English-speaking contexts, the acronym SOCSO is also used.
Its corporate profile describes it as a statutory body since July 1, 1985. Prior to that date, it operated as a government department. It reports to the Malaysian Ministry of Human Resources.
Nature and mandate
PERKESO administers social security legislation for workers. Its corporate profile identifies the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 and the Employees’ Social Security (General) Regulations 1971 as the regulations it administers.
Its stated vision is to be a leading and dynamic social security provider. Its stated mission is to build an inclusive and resilient social security system that protects well-being and promotes sustainable development for all.
It is important to define the scope. PERKESO administers a legal social protection system in Malaysia. This information sheet does not describe specific coverage, benefits, or contributions, as their scope and conditions depend on current regulations and each worker’s individual circumstances, and generalizing them would be inaccurate.
PERKESO is not the Malaysian labour inspectorate, it is not the country’s general regulator of occupational safety and health, and it is not a private insurer.
Institutional framework
The status of a statutory body means that PERKESO is created and operates under a law and that its activity is framed within the country’s social protection system, under the supervision of the Ministry of Human Resources.
The organization’s executive leadership is headed by a Group Chief Executive Officer, in Malay Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Kumpulan. Its headquarters, the Ibu Pejabat, is located at Menara PERKESO, 281, Jalan Ampang, 50538 Kuala Lumpur.
Links with experts featured in Sabentis Explore
Mohammed Azman ‘s profile published on Sabentis Explore links him to PERKESO. The organization itself identifies him as Group Chief Executive Officer, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Kumpulan, in the Malay version of its website, in the institutional message he himself signs, and in its official statements.
